About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Manager to join a leading law firm based in London. This is a hybrid position offering flexibility between remote work and on-site collaboration at our central London office. The role sits within the firm's Risk & Compliance division, which has seen significant growth and strategic importance throughout 2025 and into 2026.

The financial services and legal regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom continues to evolve rapidly. According to recent market analysis from Birchrose Associates, AML expertise has emerged as the single most in-demand skill across law firms operating in the UK. With 20% of Risk & Compliance professionals changing roles in 2025 and a median tenure of just 1.8 years, the competition for qualified AML specialists is fierce. This role represents an exceptional opportunity for a compliance professional looking to make a meaningful impact within a prestigious legal practice while advancing their career in one of the most critical areas of modern regulatory practice.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the firm's AML compliance programme, ensuring full adherence to the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (as amended), the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and the Terrorism Act 2000.
Conduct and oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures for all new and existing client matters, particularly for high-risk jurisdictions and politically exposed persons (PEPs).
Develop, implement, and continuously update internal AML policies, procedures, and controls in alignment with guidance from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS).
Deliver mandatory AML training to all fee earners, partners, and support staff on an annual basis, tailoring content to practice area-specific risks including conveyancing, corporate transactions, and trust management.
Monitor client transactions and flag suspicious activity, preparing and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the National Crime Agency (NCA) in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Manage relationships with the firm's Nominated Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), ensuring timely escalation of concerns and accurate record-keeping.
Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and supervisory bodies during compliance reviews, audits, and inspections, ensuring the firm maintains an exemplary regulatory standing.
Utilise compliance technology platforms such as World-Check, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, ComplyAdvantage, and SAP to streamline screening, monitoring, and reporting workflows.
Prepare quarterly compliance reports for the firm's Management Board, highlighting key risk indicators, emerging regulatory trends, and recommended remedial actions.
Stay abreast of legislative changes, FATF recommendations, and EU/UK sanctions regimes to proactively adapt the firm's compliance framework.

About You

Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in AML compliance, financial crime prevention, or regulatory risk management within a law firm, financial institution, or professional services environment.
Strong working knowledge of UK AML legislation, SRA regulations, and international sanctions frameworks including OFAC, EU Consolidated List, and UK Sanctions List.
Professional certification such as the International Compliance Association (ICA) Diploma in Anti Money Laundering, ACAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
Proven experience conducting client onboarding due diligence, risk assessments, and source of funds/wealth investigations for complex corporate and private client matters.
Excellent analytical and investigative skills with the ability to interpret complex transaction patterns and identify potential money laundering or terrorist financing red flags.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex regulatory requirements clearly to non-specialist audiences including senior partners and clients.
Experience with compliance management software and databases, including World-Check One, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, Reliance, and document management systems such as iManage or NetDocuments.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet regulatory deadlines under pressure while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
A collaborative mindset with the ability to influence and embed a culture of compliance across all levels of the firm.

Technical Skills & Tools

World-Check and World-Check One (Refinitiv)
LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Bridger Insight
ComplyAdvantage or SAS Anti-Money Laundering
Microsoft Power BI for compliance reporting and data visualisation
Jira or Confluence for compliance project tracking
Document management systems: iManage, NetDocuments
Case management platforms: Proclaim, Aderant, or similar legal practice management software
Sanctions screening tools and PEP databases

What We Offer

Competitive salary benchmarked against London market rates for AML compliance professionals, with annual review based on performance and market conditions.
Hybrid working model allowing up to 3 days remote per week, with flexibility built around client and regulatory commitments.
Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance at 4x base salary, pension contribution of 8% employer match, and 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Professional development budget of £2,500 per annum for certifications, conferences, and continuing professional development (CPD) courses.
Access to the firm's wellbeing programme including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mental health first aiders, and subsidised gym membership.
Clear career progression pathway with opportunities to advance to Senior Manager, Head of Compliance, or MLRO positions within the firm.
Exposure to high-profile, complex matters across multiple practice areas, providing unparalleled professional development and networking opportunities.
Collaborative and inclusive working environment that values diversity, innovation, and professional excellence.

Career Growth & Market Context

The UK Risk & Compliance market in 2026 is defined by unprecedented demand for AML specialists. London remains the undisputed hub of compliance talent in the United Kingdom, housing five times more Risk & Compliance professionals than any other city. Firms are actively competing to attract and retain top talent, with enhanced benefits packages, flexible working arrangements, and career development programmes becoming standard offerings. For candidates with demonstrable AML expertise, the current market presents a unique window of opportunity to secure roles with significant responsibility, influence, and long-term career stability.

How to Apply

If you are a qualified AML compliance professional ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply through devkarriere.com. Please submit your up-to-date CV along with a brief cover note outlining your relevant experience and current salary expectations. Our recruitment team will review all applications and aim to respond within 5 working days. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial telephone screening followed by a face-to-face or video interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the Risk & Compliance leadership team. We are committed to a transparent and efficient hiring process, with final-stage candidates typically receiving an offer within three weeks of their last interview.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.